Feeding and Handling the Herd 11 



have weaned fall litters are also in good condition to 

 respond favorably. 



This treatment, known among shepherds as 'flushing,' 

 consists in feeding the sows so as to cause them to gain 

 from three-quarters to a pound daily two weeks before 

 the opening of the breeding season and until they are 

 safely in pig. The practical effect of such feeding seems 

 to be to stimulate all the vital functions, and among them 

 the breeding function, to greater activity. When it is 

 remembered that the size of the litter is limited by the 

 number of eggs produced by the sow, the importance of 

 such a condition is magnified. It has also been observed 

 that sows when gaining in flesh and thrift tend to come 

 in heat promptly and to be more susceptible to im- 

 pregnation when bred. 



To respond favorably to the treatment suggested above, 

 the sows must be thin in condition at the beginning. 

 Sows that are already as heavy as is consistent with vigor 

 and activity should be stimulated, if possible, by supplying 

 plenty of range and exercise with access to green feed. 

 With show sows or those very high in condition, it is 

 usually necessary to reduce in flesh before they will 

 breed. This should be done without subjecting them to 

 any sudden change in diet, by withdrawing the grain from 

 their rations gradually, and by stimulating exercise by 

 allowing them the freedom of a good pasture. To estab- 

 lish regular breeding habits in a sow that has been highly 

 fitted is as reliable a test of good feeding as is the ability 

 to bring her up to the bloom of show condition. 



Rations. 



No single ration is best for bringing about the con- 

 dition of breeding thrift sought at this time. Conditions 



